Defending champion Services overcame a scare to score a badly-needed victory against Gujarat at the Santosh Trophy National football championship here on Tuesday. After losing 0-3 to Manipur in its first match, Services could heave a sigh of relief following its 3-1 win.
Later at Manjeri, Odisha also posted its maiden win, surprising Manipur by a solitary goal, scored by Kartik Hantal in the first half.
Services had conceded the lead in the 20th minute, as Gujarat scored through Jay Kanani. But shortly before the half-time whistle the reigning champion equalised through Nikhil Sharma.
Then just four minutes into the second half, Tongbram Krishnakanta Singh put Services ahead. The last goal was netted by Pintu Mahata.
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Gujarat's goal was the result of a nice move featuring Pranav Kanase and Kanani and some inadequate defending by Services. Kanase’s pass from the right flank into the goal area was neatly converted into a surprising lead by Kanani.
Services’ efforts to get the equaliser bore fruit when Nikhil tapped into the net the square pass just in front of the goal. A long ball from Ronaldo Singh paved the way for Services’ second goal. It was received inside the box by Vivek Kumar, who smartly set Krishnakanta up to slot the ball home.
Then Mahata’s header, with just five minutes remaining, clinched the issue for Services.
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